What you need to know about cervical cancer

Cancer is the result of the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. Abnormal cells can have two problems:

• They do not die 
• They continue dividing 

This results in an excessive accumulation of cells which eventually form a lump or a tumor. Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). You can get HPV by having sexual contact with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms. 

Symptoms of may include: 

• Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause. 
• Pain in the lower belly or pelvis or pain during sex. 
• Vaginal discharge that isn't normal, either tinged with blood or smelly vaginal discharge. 
• Pain during urination or Pelvic pain. 

The symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include: 

• Anemia because of abnormal vaginal bleeding. 
• Ongoing pelvic, leg, or back pain. 
• Urinary problems because of blockage of a kidney or ureter. 
• Leakage of urine or stool into the vagina. This can happen when an abnormal opening (fistula) has developed between the vaginal and the bladder or rectum. 
• Weight loss. 

Tests and diagnosis 

The earlier cervical cancer is diagnosed, the more successfully it can be treated. Experts believe that the majority of deaths from cervical cancer would be prevented if all women underwent cervical screening as recommended. 

Some of the recommended test includes: Cervical screening - LBC or Pap smear test, HPV DNA test, Biopsy, Colposcopy, Cone biopsy, LLETZ, Blood tests, Examination under anesthetic (EUA), CT scan, MRI, Pelvic ultrasound, 

The Pap test is the best way to find cervical cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests almost always show these cell changes before they turn into cancer. It's important to follow up with your doctor after any abnormal Pap test result so you can treat abnormal cell changes. 

Things that may increase your risk for cervical cancer include:

• Having an ongoing infection with a high-risk type of HBV. (HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which is one of the most common cause of cervical cancer). 
• High-risk sexual behaviors. These include having more than one sex partner or having a sex partner who has more than one partner. Safer sex can reduce your risk. 
• Weakened immune system such as those with HIV/AIDS, or transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications. 
• Long-term mental stress: Women who experience high levels of stress over a sustained period may be less able to fight off HPV. 
• Other sexually transmitted diseases (STD): Women who become infected with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. 
• Contraceptive pill: Long-term use of some common contraceptive pills slightly raises a woman's risk. 

It’s advisable to seek help when:

• You’re having unexpected bleeding between menstrual periods. 
• Menstrual periods that are irregular or 1½ to 2 times longer than normal. 
• Passing clots of blood from the vaginal, or severe vaginal bleeding that causes you to soak 1 or 2 pads or tampons in 1 or 2 hours. 
• Unexpected bleeding after douching or sex, or Pain during or after sex. 
• Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood. 

There are a several ways that can be taken to prevent having cervical cancer, some of them include:

• Cervical screening: Regular cervical screening will make it much more likely that signs are picked up early and dealt with before cancer develops at all or too far. 
• Get the HPV vaccine: If you are age 26 or younger, you can get the HPV shot. The vaccines helps protect against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. It is recommended for children age 11 or 12, but can be given as early as age 9.  
• Reduce your risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI): Talk with your partner about STIs before beginning a sexual relationship. Avoid all intimate sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STI or who may have been exposed to an STI. Use condoms to reduce the risk of getting an STI. Using condoms when you have sex has been shown to reduce your risk of getting HPV. Sexually transmitted infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) can be spread to or from the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat during sexual activities. Preventing an STI, including HPV, is easier than treating an infection after it occurs. HPV infection usually doesn't cause symptoms, so you or your partner may not know that you are infected. 
• Quit smoking: Women who smoke or who breathe in secondhand smoke have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than people who do not. Quitting smoking may decrease this risk. 
• Have fewer sexual partners: The more sexual partners a woman have, the higher the risk of developing cervical cancer. 

Treatments for cervical cancer: Cervical cancer treatment option include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combinations. Deciding on the kind of treatment depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's age and general state of health.

Here are some home treatment you could also try out:

• Healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise may help control your symptoms. 
• Ensure you get enough sleep. 
• If you don't have any energy and feel tire easily, try some tips to help your fatigue. These include getting extra rest, eating a balanced diet, and reducing your stress. 
• Not all forms of cancer treatment cause pain. But if you do have pain, there are many home treatment that can help. 
• Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, and support groups may help too. 
• Hair loss may be unavoidable. But using mild shampoos and avoiding damaging hair products will reduce irritation of your scalp.